Police today stepped up their hunt for three robbers who burst into a post office and terrorised staff.

After a struggle the men took an undisclosed amount of cash from a woman member of staff at Ebchester Post Office, near Consett, County Durham.

The woman was injured in yesterday's robbery and was taken to hospital. She was released after treatment.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the raid, which took place shortly after 1pm.

They say no weapons were used. The three men, who are all white, escaped on foot in the direction of Hamsterley.

One is described as being in his late 20s to early 30s, with dark, wavy hair and with facial stubble. He is 5ft 8in and was wearing a blue coat and dark trousers.

The second man is 18 to 20 years, with short dark hair, 5ft 10in, broad built with a round face, a fair complexion and he had a coldsore-type mark on his face. He was wearing a straight hip-length jacket and black trousers.

The third raider is in his early 40s, slim, 6ft tall, with short dark hair. He wore dark jacket and trousers.

Anyone who witnessed the robbery or has information about it is asked to call Durham Police on 0845 606 0365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 333 555.